Antinuclear antibodies are not induced by PUVA treatment in patients with uncomplicated psoriasis

Background: Previous investigations of antinuclear antibody (ANA) prevalence in patients undergoing PUVA therapy reported contrasting results. However, ANA tests were performed on low-sensitivity substrates that do not allow investigation of anti-Ro (SS-A) antibodies. Objective: We assessed ANAs on a highly sensitive substrate. Methods: ANAs were assayed on HEp-2 cells at regular intervals in 238 patients with psoriasis who were treated with PUVA therapy for 1 to 5 years and in 118 untreated control subjects with psoriasis. In addition, radioimmunoassay and counterimmunoelectrophoresis studies of anti-DNA and anti-extractable nuclear antigen antibodies were performed. Results: Low titers of ANA developed in three patients in at least two consecutive determinations and in 10 patients in a single determination despite continuing treatments. The positive conversion rate was not statistically significant. Radioimmunoassay counterimmunoelectrophoresis studies of anti-DNA and anti-extractable nuclear antigen antibodies were never positive. Conclusion: In our experience PUVA therapy does not represent a risk factor for the induction of anti-Ro antibodies and other ANAs. © 1994, American Academy of Dermatology, Inc.. All rights reserved.